Columbian Way with new pavement
Columbian Way before it was repaved.
What do paving and creating a vibrant city have to do with each other? Good question! At first glance it would appear they have nothing to do with each other, but when you look a little more closely they are linked. Paving projects help keep Seattle’s road smooth, easy to navigate and safe for all roadway users which in turn helps keep people and goods moving creating a more activity and thus a more vibrant city.
The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) has been working hard to pave Seattle’s main roads and make needed repairs. SDOT is able to accomplish this work thanks to funding provided by the Bridging the Gap (BTG) transportation maintenance initiative, passed by voters in 2006. Since the BTG program began its work in 2007 more than 200 lane-miles of roadway have been paved. Those routes include:
- Airport Way S, 15th Avenue NE, Dexter Avenue N, Columbian Way S, First Avenue S, Fourth Avenue S, Fifth Avenue S, 15th Avenue N, NE Ravenna Boulevard, 14th Avenue S, NE 125th and Sandpoint Way and Delridge Way.
This year, 17 lane-miles will be completed and include the completion of the N 105th Street and N/NE Northgate Way from Greenwood Avenue N to First Avenue NE project and the repaving of Holman Rd. from NW 87th to Greenwood Avenue N. These roadways were in need of major repair work and provide key links to neighborhoods in the Seattle’s north end.
Paving projects are, by nature, disruptive and can frustrate drivers, transit riders, pedestrians and cyclists. Unfortunately, it is a part of the project. We do our best to keep disruptions to a minimum; however, they cannot always be avoided. It’s important to remember that in the end, all roadway users will have a smoother and safer road on which to travel.
Along with the major Arterial Asphalt and Concrete projects discussed above, SDOT will also be doing a lot of smaller repaving work as part of the Arterial Major Maintenance Program. Smaller projects, throughout the City, will repave more than 16 lane-miles helping to preserve and extend the lives of those roads.
For information on the Arterial Asphalt & Concrete Paving projects please visit the web site. For more information on BTG please visit the webpage.